Manchester United Set for Tough Europa League Quarter-Final Against Lyon

Manchester United have secured their place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals after a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win. The Red Devils delivered a commanding performance, led by a sensational hat-trick from captain Bruno Fernandes, marking their most complete display yet under manager Ruben Amorim.

After a tight 1-1 draw in the first leg, United faced an early scare when Mikel Oyarzabal put Sociedad ahead in the 10th minute, converting a penalty following a foul by Matthijs de Ligt. However, Fernandes quickly equalized, calmly slotting home from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Rasmus Højlund was brought down in the box.

The second half saw United seize control of the match. Fernandes scored again from the spot in the 50th minute, following a controversial foul on Elias Dorgu by Aritz Elustondo. Sociedad’s hopes of a comeback were crushed when Unai Aramburu was sent off for dragging down Joshua Zirkzee, reducing the visitors to ten men.

Fernandes completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute, capping off a captain’s masterclass, before Diogo Dalot added a fourth goal in stoppage time to complete the rout.

United’s emphatic victory has set up an exciting quarter-final showdown with Lyon, who secured their spot after a resounding 7-1 aggregate win over FCSB. Despite struggling in sixth place in Ligue 1, Lyon remains a dangerous side with strong attacking talent and defensive resilience.

As Amorim’s men continue their push for European silverware, they will need to match the intensity and composure they displayed against Sociedad. With Fernandes in scintillating form and the squad adapting well under their new manager, United fans will be hopeful that this could be the year their team reclaims European glory.

The stage is set for a thrilling quarter-final clash.